Brian Hioe
The Many Repetitions of Hong Kong History
There are few words fit to describe Blue Island (憂鬱之島), apart from “masterpiece.” The film stands out as an example of its genre, while also managing to be highly powerful and personal.
A Miao Church Choir Thrust into the Spotlight
A Review of "Singing in the Wilderness" written in collaboration with Cinema Escapist, as part of coverage of the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Keep an eye out for more!
A Glance into the Everyday of COVID
This is a No Man is an Island film review written in collaboration with Cinema Escapist, as part of coverage of the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Keep an eye out for more!
Taiwanese Noise Legend Dino Passes Away at Age 45
The following article originally appeared on Electric Soul, a Hong Kong-based electronic music magazine and ticketing platform, on January 19th.
The KMT Enters the Metaverse…With Chiang Kai-shek NFTs
At a time in which it is debated what should be done with symbols dating from the authoritarian period, the KMT proposes to bring these symbols into the digital age–with a dash of the party’s continual cringeworthy attempts to appeal to young people.
Best Taiwanese Indie Albums of 2021
New Bloom members Peter Freestone and Brian Hioe pick some of their favorite indie albums from 2021, focusing on bands from Taiwan. This is the fourth in a series of Best Album lists compiled by New Bloom.
The Ten Best Taiwanese Movies of 2021
Rounding Up the Year in Taiwanese Film with New Bloom and Cinema Escapist
The History of Queer Parties in Taiwan
Brian Hioe spoke to Levin Lo, or DJ Rainbowchild, a veteran of the queer party scene in Taiwan. Among other things, Rainbowchild was the DJ that played at the wedding banquet party that celebrated the legalization of gay marriage in Taiwan in May 2019, as the first place in Asia to legalize gay marriage.
Life Goes On in the Most Dangerous Place on Earth
Some anchor or host might ask, in tense, worried tones, about what people are thinking or feeling on the ground in Taiwan, and I’m just like, “Uhhhhhhh, people are calm. Nobody is freaking out. Life goes on.”
Gold Leaf Succeeds Where SEQALU and Island Nation Did Not
A Review of Episodes One and Two of Gold Leaf (茶金)
Please, No More Sneakers from Enes Kanter
The design of the sneakers suggests not having actually spoken to Taiwanese local voices about the symbolism.
Burying Taiwan’s History by Digging It Up
The Nanshan Public Cemetery in Tainan is the largest of its kind in Taiwan. The graveyard spans the entire history of Han settlement in Taiwan and includes within its premises the oldest known Han grave in Taiwan.
